The Canucks have played OK over the past couple of weeks and have gained at least a point in nine straight games (6-0-3) while the Coyotes have won five straight heading into Monday’s clash, posting wins over such Western Conference juggernauts as the Red Wings, the Sharks and most recently the Blackhawks.

The Phoenix Coyotes are playing their best hockey of the season at the moment, preying on some of the Heavyweights of the Western Conference.

Five straight wins has them occupying the eighth and final playoff position in the West and looking to take down another one of the big players in the uber-tough West.

Offense and defense are playing at a high level, they will certainly be a test for the Canucks Monday.

Phoenix currently sits 16th in the NHL in goals for but they have come alive averaging 3.4 goals per game during their five game streak. Ray Whitney has been on fire and rides an eight game points streak into Monday’s clash (2 goals and 10 assist). He has eight points in his last five games.

Radim Vrbata has a seven game points streak (four goals and five assists) and has seven points in five games.

These Phoenix forwards are the hottest players in the league right now.

Goaltending has also been sharp for the Coyotes. Mike Smith has won five straight decisions and has given up just three goals combined in his last four starts. He figures to get the nod Monday in a very important game. Phoenix is 8th in the NHL in goals against.

Vancouver has been getting it done in the standings but their actual play has been less-than-elite during their impressive 6-0-3 streak. The offense has been OK, the goaltending has been great, but the defensive breakdowns have been frequent.

The Canucks will have to tighten up on Monday against a very opportunistic and sizzling Coyotes squad.

The Vancouver Canucks rank fourth in the NHL in goals for and seventh in goals against. Offensively, it hasn’t been all about the Sedins – other lines are chipping in at just the right times.

Phoenix Coyotes vs. Vancouver Canucks Betting Lines & Handicapping

Ryan Kelser failed to score on Saturday but still has goals in five of his last six and seven of his last nine games and David Booth has points in eight of his last nine games (four goals and four assists).

Jannik Hansen and Cody Hodgson have just one point in their last five games and Mayson Raymond is pointless in four. It would be nice to see them step up and make things a little easier on the team.

Roberto Luongo should get the start on Monday. He is 4-0-2 with a 2.35 goals against average in his last six starts and he has gone 4-2-0 in his last six versus Phoenix with a stellar 1.50 goals against average.

Dave’s Free Won’t Cost You Anything NHL Betting Prediction:

The Phoenix Coyotes are 10-21-2 in their last 33 games against the Canucks and have lost three of the last four meetings. However, Phoenix won both meetings in Vancouver last year.

Is it just me or does it seem like Vancouver is due to get beaten badly? They have hung around in recent games and have done just enough to garner the necessary points to stay at the top of the standings.

But they certainly have not been playing like the Canucks that we have all gotten used to. Phoenix is Hot and have fared well against some very tough teams during their five game win streak.

I like the upset in this one – Vancouver may have used all of their luck up on the road.

Vancouver is traditionally very sluggish in their first game back after a road trip, expect that trend to continue.

Related

Dave B is from Beautiful BC. A Fantasy Football writer for 10+ years. A gambler, and a sucker for an early Vegas line. Loves to bet on the NHL, and NFL. A couch potato wannabe, BC Lions, Canucks, & Seahawks fan. Hope’s for world peace + global relaxation.Email: DaveB@NWSportsBeat.comDave B On TwitterLike Something I wrote? Hate it? Hit me back today I want to hear from you!